Reducing risk of endoscope damage

According an article recently published in Gastroenterology and Endoscopy News, 1 a broken endoscope is more than just an equipment failure. It can delay treatment for patients and create unhappy staff who lack appropriate tools and must work late, increasing overtime costs and decreasing revenue due to cancelled procedures. Scope defects and damage can also harbour debris which has been implicated in cross-contamination issues.2

In a recent webinar, two members of an Olympus service and repair team shared tips on preventing the most frequent and expensive types of endoscope damage and minimising the effects on facilities, staff and patients. “Roughly 85% of endoscope repairs are avoidable,” said Louis Mariani, an endoscope service expert at Olympus. “The distal end is the most fragile part of the endoscope, accounting for nearly 45% of all endoscope damage. The distal end houses a protective cover, charge-coupled device, camera, light guide lenses, and nozzle for air and water.”

“Damage to any of these components can cause image issues, light issues, and even harbour patient debris,” Mr. Mariani continued. “A broken lens cover or nozzle entering a patient can be a very serious concern because patient debris can be lodged into a break or breach of material.”